He always had the “Story of Jesus” to tell. When met by another chief who asked him what he had, the chief answered,
“I have the story of Jesus—don’t you want it too?”
Though he had told it hundreds of times, it never grew old. Tears would always fill his eyes and before the “Story” was finished, a heavenly look would light his brown face with a peace from beyond the skies.
At the meeting of the old chief and the missionary referred to at the beginning, the missionary felt that the end was drawing near and that his companion would soon be gone. After a few moments in silent prayer he looked upon the chief and said, “Your time may be short on earth, your life perhaps will soon be over. What would you have me do these last few moments before we separate?”
The old chief’s eyes lit up and in a whispering voice he answered: “Tell me the story of Jesus again. I want nothing more, good master; only tell me the ‘Story’ again. That will be enough.”
Again the missionary unfolded the blessed old story and so real did it appear to the dying chief that he, partly rising to his elbow, with eyes looking into space in a faint voice whispered,
“Yes, Master, it was for me—it was for me. I am going now. Good-bye.”
The song writer has caught the spirit of the old chief’s message, in the following verses:
“Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus
Sang as they welcomed His birth,
‘Glory to God in the highest’!
Peace and good tidings to earth!
“Tell of the Cross where they nailed Him
Writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see;
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.”
Let us cherish “the old Story” of Jesus and His love, as the old chief did, and tell it to others as we press towards our Heavenly Home. Others are waiting to hear it, too.
ML 01/27/1946